Preparing for Surgery

Getting Ready
Don’t hesitate to ask your cochlear implant surgeon and audiologist questions about the surgical process, what to do to prepare yourself, and what to expect in the recovery process. The more you know, the more comfortable you will feel. You may wish to talk to someone who’s already been through the surgery. The Bionic Ear Association (BEA) will put you in contact with other cochlear implant recipients to learn of their experiences before and after surgery.

Someone To Be With You At The Hospital
Something that people often don’t realize beforehand is that you might need someone with you on the day of surgery to help with any communication needs. If you are a hearing aid user, there will be times when you cannot use your hearing aid. It is possible that someone will talk to you with a mask on, which can pose a challenge to those who rely on lipreading to hear.

Of course, your implant team is prepared to take great care of you and is aware of these communication challenges. It still can be helpful to have someone you trust with you just in case you need help communicating. That person can likely accompany you into the surgical preparation area. It’s also a good idea to be prepared with pencil/paper or a dry erase board to ease your communication during this time. Bring a sturdy case labeled with your name and hospital identification number to store your hearing aid, and consider giving it to the person accompanying you to the hospital to hold onto while you are in surgery.

Before Surgery Considerations
Has your insurance been approved ahead of surgery? If you need assistance, call the Advanced Bionics Reimbursement Department. You can also email us at insurance@advancedbionics.com. Make sure you know what insurance information you need and provide it during registration at the hospital on the day of surgery.

Have you reviewed your hospital provided pre-surgery information? If you have not received this from your hospital or surgeon, call and request it. Make sure you have all of your questions answered about surgery and post-surgery in advance.   

Have you received the meningitis vaccination? Preparing for surgery includes proper vaccination against the common causes of bacterial meningitis. Meningitis is a bacterial infection that can be serious if not treated quickly and is a common cause of deafness. It can be a complication of otitis media or other clinical conditions commonly found in deafness and can recur. It can be a risk associated with surgery and/or implantation of a foreign device where there is a higher chance of infection from bacteria causing meningitis. The best prevention of meningitis includes vaccination and education. Advanced Bionics provides support for unreimbursed vaccination costs. To learn more about the Vaccination Reimbursement Program, click here. For more information, please consult your implant surgeon or other related healthcare professionals.

If you have been instructed that you will spend the night, don’t forget to pack your personal belongings for an overnight stay.

• Have you read the pre-surgery packet provided by the hospital?
• What day is your surgery? What time is your surgery check-in?
• Where do you need to go? Who is taking you?
• When do you expect to go home? Who is picking you up?

Someone To Take You Home
Most likely, you will not be permitted to take yourself home after surgery, especially if it is outpatient and you are sent home that day, as in most cases. If the person you have support you during surgery preparation is not the same person taking you home later, make sure you arrange for someone to accompany you home and stay with you for a time while you get settled in. That person can ensure you have any prescriptions filled and understand your recovery instructions.

What Are The Risks Of Surgery?
In general, any type of surgery has some associated risk with it. Your doctor is the best person to discuss your concerns about the risks of cochlear implant surgery with you. You will go through pre-surgical examinations to make the surgeon aware of any special circumstances that need to be considered. Here are some known facts about cochlear implant surgical risks:

• There is always a risk of infection associated with surgery. You should note the healing process of the wound, and your general health after the surgery. Your doctor will give you signs to look for. If you notice anything wrong, alert your doctor immediately so he or she can treat any possible infection promptly.
• Cochlear implants have been associated with a higher than typical occurrence of bacterial meningitis. This risk is reduced by vaccination, which your surgeon will discuss with you prior to surgery.
• There is a rare risk of complications with anesthesia.
• As with most ear surgeries, there is a possible disruption in the sense of taste, balance, and/or facial nerve. These problems are rare, and if they occur, usually are temporary.
• After surgery, minimal pain or tenderness at the site of the incision may be experienced, and this usually dissipates within a short period of time. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication as necessary.
• This is not a complete list of potential risks. Your medical team and surgeon will review all relevant information with you prior to surgery.

Next: What Happens on Surgery Day>>